Related Stories

Winnipeg city council voted Tuesday morning to give wings to the city police, or rather propellers.

Councillors approved spending $3.5 million to outfit the police with a helicopter. It was part of a $430-million capital budget council passed by a vote of 13-3.

During the debate, several councillors expressed misgivings about the chopper. Some asked if the money could be better spent by adding more police or on other urgent needs such as fixing the battered roads.

Others wanted a detailed analysis showing how the helicopter will improve police effectiveness.

"I think what we need in these proceedings sometimes is good, old-fashioned common sense," said Coun. Dan Vandal (St. Boniface).

"I would have expected some sort of report to be here before us."

In the end, some of those who raised concerns — including Vandal — voted in support of the budget.